NE SCIENCE & TECH BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MAY 22
In a major breakthrough for India’s clean energy and sustainable technology ambitions, scientists at International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) have developed a high-performance, cost-effective thermal energy storage material that could significantly improve the efficiency of thermal batteries used in solar power plants and industrial energy recovery systems.
The innovation is expected to strengthen India’s growing focus on next-generation clean energy infrastructure while supporting the national vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat through indigenous scientific advancement.
- International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials develops advanced thermal energy storage material for next-generation clean energy systems
- Innovative nanocomposite Phase Change Material increases heat storage capacity by nearly 45% with just 1% nanoparticle addition
- Breakthrough technology expected to improve concentrated solar power plants and industrial waste heat recovery systems
- Indigenous innovation aligns with Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and India’s clean energy transition goals
Major Leap in Thermal Energy Storage Technology
Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems play a crucial role in storing and utilising heat generated from concentrated solar power (CSP) plants and industrial waste heat systems.
However, scientists worldwide have been working to improve the performance of thermal batteries by developing materials with:
- Higher heat storage capacity
- Better thermal conductivity
- Wider operating temperature ranges
- Improved energy efficiency
The ARCI research team, led by Mani Karthik, has now developed a scalable and affordable process to manufacture advanced spinel nano composite Phase Change Material (PCM) capable of dramatically enhancing thermal storage performance.
45% Jump in Heat Storage Capacity
The researchers used a simple co-precipitation method to produce spinel-type metal oxide nanoparticles with highly controlled particle size and strong thermal stability.
The breakthrough came when scientists added just 1% spinel oxide nanoparticles to the Phase Change Material.
The result was a remarkable increase of nearly 45% in specific heat capacity — the material’s ability to store thermal energy — compared to conventional PCM materials.
Scientists explained that the nanoparticles improve thermal properties by increasing the surface area inside the material and forming a stable spinel oxide interface layer, which enhances energy storage performance.
Smaller Storage Systems, Lower Costs
Researchers said the enhanced heat storage capacity allows thermal batteries to store more energy per unit mass.
This could lead to:
- Smaller thermal storage tanks
- Lower construction material requirements
- Reduced operational costs
- More compact energy storage systems
Experts believe the technology could become particularly valuable for:
- Concentrated Solar Power plants
- Industrial waste heat recovery
- Renewable energy storage systems
- Sustainable industrial operations
The innovation could significantly reduce the overall cost of clean energy storage infrastructure.
Boost to India’s Clean Energy and Self-Reliance Goals
The research has been published in Materials Today Chemistry and is being viewed as an important step toward strengthening India’s indigenous clean technology ecosystem.
Scientists noted that the development supports India’s larger goals of:
- Clean energy transition
- Sustainable industrial growth
- Energy efficiency improvements
- Indigenous scientific innovation
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
With thermal storage expected to play a crucial role in future renewable energy systems, the ARCI breakthrough positions Indian researchers at the forefront of advanced energy material innovation.
